Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku is now officially a Roma player. The Italian club and Chelsea have agreed on the transfer, and Lukaku will play on loan for the Romans next season.
The 30-year-old Belgian returns to Serie A after spending the last year on loan at Inter, helping them reach the Champions League final.
“The welcome from Roma and the fans excited me and motivated me to give my all for my new team,” commented Romelu Lukaku.
According to reports, he accepted a cut in his financial remuneration to play again under head coach Jose Mourinho and turned down a tempting offer from a club in Saudi Arabia in the summer. Lukaku and Mourinho worked together during the 2013/14 season at Chelsea during his first spell at the Londoners, before the Portuguese signed him to Manchester United from Everton in 2017.
Official, confirmed. Romelu Lukaku joins AS Roma on loan deal until June 🟡🔴
No buy option clause included — back to Chelsea next summer.
“Roma fans were incredible to me — I can’t wait to get started. The owners here have huge ambitions”, Lukaku said. pic.twitter.com/Tr7FpiOKGE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2023
“I had the opportunity to speak with the owners in recent days and I was struck by their ambition. Now we have to work, be humble and develop in every game. For my part, I can’t wait to get into the squad,” added Lukaku.